When you are looking for a new car, there are so many options available. Beyond just deciding if you want a sedan, truck, or SUV, you have to decide what kind of engine and fuel source you want. Besides gasoline and plug-in electric vehicles, there are several hybrid options available. What are the features and advantages of a hybrid car? Take a look at the list below to see whether a hybrid is the right choice for you.
1. Decreased Fuel Costs
The main reason most people consider getting a hybrid vehicle is the reduced fuel consumption. Because a hybrid splits the work between a gas engine and an electric motor, it gets significantly better fuel economy than traditional cars.
2. Better Efficiency
Many hybrid models are designed for efficiency, and they also tend to be lighter because they don’t need to have a big gasoline engine like traditional vehicles do. This means that a hybrid can increase the fuel economy even more beyond just the advantage afforded by the electric motor. Many of the small, lightweight hybrid models are easy to maneuver around cities and into tight parking spaces.
3. Less Pollution
You can feel good about your contribution to the environment when you choose a hybrid car. Because the work is split between the electric motor and the gas engine, hybrids have much lower rates of pollution emission that gasoline-powered cars. In some states, driving a hybrid can eliminate the requirement to pass emissions tests when you register your car.
4. Excellent Resale Value
While many people were skeptical when the first hybrid cars were released, these vehicles have been steadily gaining in popularity every year. More people are seeing the potential advantages of lower fuel costs and reduced environmental impacts. Additionally, there are numerous hybrid options to choose from, including everything from sporty sedans to large SUVs. Because the demand for hybrids continues to be high, the release value for most hybrid models is very good. You can feel confident you’ll be able to get a great return on your investment should you decide to sell your car.
5. Regenerative Braking
One of the benefits of a hybrid car is regenerative braking. This means that when you apply the brakes, a portion of that deceleration energy is routed back to the battery to charge it. This produces two benefits: the electric motor has a higher available charge and the brakes take less wear and tear.
6. Responsive Acceleration
While hybrids tend to have a reputation for lower performance than traditional gasoline engines, they actually have some advantages. Unlike gasoline engines, electric motors don’t require time to rev up as they increase torque gradually. Electric motors have their full torque rating available instantaneously, so their acceleration is quite impressive. They can also tend to decelerate faster once the gas pedal is released, making the overall performance smooth and responsive. This is especially noticeable in heavy traffic, so it’s an important consideration if your commute includes city driving.
Hybrids are becoming more popular for many reasons. With benefits including low fuel costs and high resale value, a hybrid can be a great investment. When you’re ready to choose your next car, take a look at some of the available hybrid models.